The studio & our hosts

The people behind peoplez.

A small studio and a wide circle of hosts and guides. Every trip we design is built with people who actually live in the place.

The studio
MM

Marimil Magbanua

Founder & Trip Designer
Pampanga, Philippines

Started peoplez in 2020 to design the slow, soulful trips she wished existed. Spends most days on long calls with travelers and hosts.

Our local hosts

A few of the hosts who make every trip personal.

TB

Tito Ben

Bangka captain & island guide
El Nido, Palawan

Born on a small island in Bacuit Bay. Knows every hidden lagoon and which beach is empty at lunchtime.

AL

Ate Lina

Cooking host & home-stay
Banaue, Ifugao

Cooks pinikpikan over an open fire and tells the stories behind every Ifugao terrace from her veranda.

KJ

Kuya Jun

Surf guide
Siargao

Has surfed Cloud 9 since he was a kid. Will get beginners standing up and take the rest to the secret reefs.

NC

Nanay Cora

Heritage guide
Vigan, Ilocos Sur

A retired history teacher who walks Calle Crisologo by lantern light. Her great-grandmother lived in one of the casas.

ME

Manong Edgar

Mountain trek guide
Sagada, Mountain Province

Leads cave-connection treks and sunrise walks to Kiltepan. Forty years on these mountains and counting.

AM

Ate Marites

Resort host
Panglao, Bohol

Runs a five-room hideaway off the main road. The kind of breakfast that makes you cancel the rest of the day.